clasp
     n 1: a fastener (as a buckle or hook) that is used to hold two
          things together
     2: the act of grasping; "he released his clasp on my arm"; "he
        has a strong grip for an old man"; "she kept a firm hold
        on the railing" [syn: {clench}, {clutch}, {clutches}, {grasp},
         {grip}, {hold}]
     v 1: hold firmly and tightly [ant: {unclasp}]
     2: fasten with or as if with a brooch [syn: {brooch}]
     3: fasten with a buckle or buckles [syn: {buckle}] [ant: {unbuckle}]
     4: grasp firmly; "The child clasped my hands" [ant: {unclasp}]
Source: WordNet® 2.0